Philanthropy to UT institutions tops $1.2 billion for the second year in a row

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Once again, supporters of The University of Texas System demonstrated their confidence in 15 UT institutions by making fiscal year 2013 a remarkable year for philanthropy.

For the second consecutive year, philanthropic support for the UT System’s nine academic and six health institutions topped the $1.2 billion mark – the second most successful fundraising year in UT history for overall giving including cash, pledges, and testamentary commitments. Additionally, UT institutions received an all-time high of cash gifts—more than $820 million, an increase of 2.4 percent over the previous fiscal year. For the past five years, the trend line has continued upward, as philanthropic support has steadily increased each year.

UT Austin and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston continued a trend with nationally ranked achievements. In the closing phase of a transformative $3 billion capital campaign, UT Austin’s record $475 million in overall philanthropic support for fiscal year 2013 pushed campaign totals to 80 percent of its campaign goal. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center posted the second-best fundraising year in the institution’s history with $337 million in overall giving for fiscal year 2013, which ended Aug. 31.

UT Austin’s $3 billion capital campaign is lauded because few universities nationally without medical schools (which often account for more than one-third of philanthropic dollars in the door) attempt campaigns of this amount. UT Austin – which is in the process of establishing a school of medicine -- is raising funds at a historic pace and shattered previous records this year. Among the major gifts are $50 million from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, $25 million from the Robert Rowling family and five estate gifts of $5 million or more. No other institution in Texas has ever attempted a campaign of this magnitude, nor has any other institution realized more than $290 million in cash contributions in one year, as was the case with UT Austin. President Bill Powers and his extraordinary development professionals, deans, and volunteers continue to position UT Austin in the top ten of all public universities in terms of philanthropic success according to Randa Safady, vice chancellor for external relations for the UT System.

“We can’t begin to adequately express our gratitude to the many individuals, corporations and foundations who time and again invest in the future of Texas through their generous philanthropic support of UT institutions,” Safady said. “Philanthropy is considered one of an institution’s most critical funding streams. It serves as an investment in important work that often cannot be funded with other sources. Every day, UT institutions provide a return on that investment by making new discoveries, recruiting exceptional faculty and researchers and enhancing support to students.”

“I continue to be amazed and inspired by the generosity and dedication of UT supporters,” said Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa. “These are individuals who understand the importance of investing in the future of Texas. Their support is essential not only to the success of the UT institutions they love, but it also contributes to high-quality education, research and health care that truly have a global impact.”